Fuel Pump Control for Tank Emptying and Overheat Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing fuel from a motor vehicle's tank, such as pumping out excess or incorrectly filled fuel, often require additional service openings, external equipment, and can be difficult for certain tank types and are not efficient in preventing fuel pump overheating.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a diagnostic test device to control the vehicle's control unit to operate the fuel pump, allowing for complete tank emptying without additional service openings, using the vehicle's existing systems, and incorporating a defined activation period to prevent overheating, with fuel collection and measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a suction device is introduced into the fuel filler neck or service opening to pump out fuel, then fuel can be removed from the tank, but additional service openings or external equipment are required and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump, which is already installed in the vehicle as part of the fuel supply system, is utilized to perform the fuel removal function. The control device activates the existing fuel pump through the fuel line to extract fuel from the tank, eliminating the need for external suction devices or additional service openings. This self-service approach uses the vehicle's own components to solve the problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing fuel pump and control device are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their normal function (supplying fuel to the engine) and the additional function of removing fuel from the tank for various purposes such as correcting overfilling or preparing the vehicle for transport. This universal application eliminates the need for specialized equipment.
2Productivity
If the fuel pump is activated continuously to empty the fuel tank completely, then the tank can be fully emptied, but the fuel pump may overheat or run dry
Solution Approach 1:
The control device activates the fuel pump in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system monitors the fuel level in the tank and activates the pump only when fuel is available, deactivating it when the tank is nearly empty. This periodic operation allows the pump to rest and cool down, preventing overheating and dry running while still achieving complete tank emptying over time through multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback monitoring of the fuel level in the tank. The control device receives information about the current fuel level and uses this feedback to control the activation and deactivation of the fuel pump. This closed-loop control ensures the pump operates only when safe and necessary, preventing damage from running dry while progressively emptying the tank.
3Reliability
If a suction protection device is installed in the fuel filler neck to prevent fuel theft, then fuel security is improved, but access to the fuel tank for removal operations is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's internal fuel pump and fuel line infrastructure to access and remove fuel from the tank, eliminating the need to physically access the fuel filler neck or service openings. The fuel pump draws fuel through the existing fuel supply lines from the tank, allowing complete tank emptying while the suction protection device remains in place to prevent unauthorized access.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and complete fuel tank emptying, preventing overheating and dry running of the fuel pump, allowing for efficient and safe fuel removal without external equipment or mechanical intervention, suitable for various tank types and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel pump (14) which, during operation, extracts the fuel through the fuel extraction line (18) from the fuel tank (16) and outputs it into a fuel pressure line (20) under increased pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves connecting a diagnosis test device (4) with a control device (8) of a motor car (2) over a single or multi-pole data line (10). The control device is controlled by the diagnosis test device based on a fuel tank filling signal for driving a fuel pump of the motor car by the control device such that the fuel pump conveys fuel from a fuel tank of the motor car. An outlet of the fuel pump is connected with an external container before the controlling of the control device, where the filling signal is transmitted over a controller area network-bus of the motor car. An independent claim is also included for a diagnosis test device for a motor car.